Liverpool have received a boost after midfielder Lucas Leiva returned to training.

The Brazilian defensive midfielder has been absent from the first team since the end of August, after picking up a thigh injury in a 2-2 draw with Manchester City.

He is not fit enough to be included in the squad for Saturday's Premier League game against Wigan at the DW Stadium but, after returning to light training, could yet play a part in next week's Europa League match against Young Boys.

"Happy to be back and feeling good," Lucas posted on Twitter on Friday. "I hope I will be available soon."

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers may be careful with the player's return, however - Lucas had only just recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament injury that saw him miss most of last season when his latest setback occurred.

"Lucas will come back into training, which is great news," the Northern Irishman said on Friday.

"He has worked tirelessly in his rehabilitation. He won't be ready to play for the weekend but certainly over the next couple of weeks he'll be very close."